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Snap deepens non-print offering with online joint venture

Snap Franchising has put new web development tools in the hands of its stores thanks to a joint venture with Australian company Bloomtools.

The partnership aims to open new revenue streams for Snap's 150 franchises by providing an expanded range of website tools such as CRM, database marketing and content management systems.

Snap's general manager of franchise services, Raeleen Hooper, said the enhanced digital marketing offering would help Snap meet its goal of opening 120 new Australian stores and pushing into the US and UK.

She told ProPrint that prospective franchisees were impressed by Snap's embrace of non-print services such as online marketing, websites, design and QR codes.

"The thing they're most captivated by is their opportunity to not only have print which is a great product, but to see there's an opportunity to develop as the market develops," she said.

Snap started moving into non-print services in 2005 and has set itself a goal of generating 30% of its turnover from non-print by 2014, said Hooper.

"What we really wanted to do was transition the business from print into value-adding products to our centres," she said.

"It's about creating a sustainable business for the future for our Franchise Owners."

Bloomtools director James Greig said there was an excellent fit between Bloomtools and Snap.

"Our products will allow Snap franchisees to diversify and grow, effectively taking their businesses to the next level," he said.

"Meanwhile, Snap's SME customers will also benefit with future-proofed web solutions and guaranteed KPIs, wrapped up in Snap's excellent customer service and support network."

The joint venture negotiations took more than a year and involved a significant investment of time by the two parties' technical teams, according to Snap.